Sakakawea Timeline

Sakakawea Birth

Sakakawea was born about 1788 to the Lemhi band of the Shoshone Tribe of Native Americans in what is now Idaho. She was born surrounded by the Rocky Mountains. This event is important because it marks the beginning of Sakakawea's life, in which she will do many great things.

1800

Sakakawea Kidnapping

In 1800, Sakakawea was kidnapped by her tribe's enemies, the Hidatsa at only 12 years old. She was then taken to a Hidatsa and Mandan Settlement in modern-day North Dakota. This event is important in American History because the kidnapping sets her on her path to the Corps of Discovery

1804

Sakakawea Gets Married

in 1804, Sakakawea was purchased by a French Canadian Fur Trader named Toussaint Charbonneau. She was one of his multiple wives. They settled in a Hidatsa village. This event is important because she meets Charbonneau who will accompany her on the expedition.

Nov 4, 1804

Lewis and Clark Meet Sakakawea

In November of 1804, Lewis and Clark Reach the settlement where Sakakawea and Charbonneau lived. They hire Charbonneau as an interpreter. A pregnant Sakakawea will join him and help translate into native languages. This event is important because Sakakawea begins her journey where she will help explore the western lands.

Feb 11, 1805

Pompey Birth

Sakakawea gave birth to her first child, a boy, in February 1805. She named him Jean Baptiste, and nicknamed him Pompey. "Pomp" means "firstborn" in the Shoshone language. This event is important to history because Sakakawea becomes a mother while traveling on the expedition.

Apr 7, 1805

Sakakawea Departs on the Expedition

On April 7th Sakakawea leaves her village with her husband to participate in the expedition. They paddle up the Missouri River with Lewis and Clark. She has her newborn in her back. This event is important to history because it begins a large stretch of the expedition where Lewis and Clark learn many things.

May 14, 1805

Sakakawea Saves Supplies

When Charbonneau was steering the boat through choppy water when it nearly capsized. Sakakawea calmly rescued the supplies that fell into the water. Lewis and Clark were impressed. This is very important because if she hadn't saved the supplies, the expedition would have failed.

Aug 17, 1805

Sakakawea Visits Home

When the Corps of Discovery stopped by her native homeland from her childhood, Sakakawea recognized some of her family. She embraced her brother, who had become chief. Since her brother was chief, she was able to get more food and supplies for her fellow explorers. This event is important because those supplies are very helpful to the expedition.

Jul 25, 1806

Clark Climbs "Pompey's Tower"

William Clark climbs a tower in Montana and names it "Pompey's Tower" after Sakakawea's son Pompey. Clark thought highly of her son and called him "Pomp". This is important to American History because it leaves a legacy of Sakakawea and her son's journey.

Oct 20, 1806

Clark offers to educate Pompey

Clark writes to Sakakawea offering to educate her son Pompey. This is important because it shows that Clark respected Sakakawea very much.

Aug 12, 1812

Lizette Birth

Sakakawea gave birth to her second child, a girl named Lizette. She began to grow ill after having her daughter. This event is important because this is one of the last things she does in her life.

Dec 22, 1812

Sakakawea Death

Sakakawea became very ill during the fall of 1812. She died of putrid fever on December 22 in Fort Manuel. This is important because it marks the end of Sakakawea's legendary life.